This summer, I will be spending 6 weeks living among the poor in Bangkok, Thailand.  I am going on what's called a "Global Urban Trek" with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.  The goal of the Treks are to give college students a chance to experience life among the poor and learn to love them as Jesus does.  We will be living in the slums of Klong Toey, the largest slum in Bankok, while serving in local ministries.  This summer's ministry sites include a ministry for prostitutes, a leper community and a children's and disabled persons ministry.  Thailand is notorious for its sex trade industry, extreme income inequality, and broken families.  In addition, Thailand is a predominantly Buddist nation.

I am beginning to get quite nervous about the trip as well as more and more excited.  I am nervous about learning the Thai language, spiritual warfare, living conditions, culture shock, and missing people back home.  However, I am so excited to see God work this summer. I know he has called me to spend my summer in this way.  I am passionate about global poverty and what we can do as Americans, in he Land of Affluence, to help fight against this problem. 

I hope that if you are reading this, you will begin to pray for me, my team, the people we encounter this summer, and the issue of global poverty.  I also hope that you willl begin to pray about what you can do to help alleviate the global problem.  I hope to use this blog to share my expience and also help you see the change you can make to help the millions of people around the world stuck in despair.

You can check out more information about the Bangkok Trek here: http://www.urbana.org/feat.trek.2008.cfm?recordid=1261

With the love of Christ Jesus!